Seventy-fifth anniversary of the Bardo Lutheran Congregation of Tofield, Alberta, 1895-1970

1895 1970

Seuenty-Hifth Anniversary

of the

Bardo Lutheran Congregation

of

TOFIELD, ALBERTA

FRIDAY, JULY 24 -— SUNDAY, JULY 26
1970

Preface

Seventy-five years of work, rich in blessings intermingled with
accomplishments, happiness and sadness are being celebrated by the
Bardo congregation of Tofield as it meets for its Seventy-fifth Anniver-
Sary.

We wish first of all to thank God for his many mercies and for
his blessings upon this congregation and community. We wish also to
honor the memory of the pioneers, whose deep concern and faith, whose
prayers, sacrifices and visions laid the foundation for this congregation
and church.

To all former members, pastors and visiting friends, we wish a
hearty welcome as you participate with us in this Anniversary. May this

be a time of re-dedication of our hearts to Jesus Christ as Saviour and
Lord.

Finally, we ask for God’s continued guidance and for the out-
pouring of His Spirit upon our church, our people and community. May
we accept God’s challenge and at all times be willing to witness for Him.

Anniversary Hymn
ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME!

1. All hail the power of Jesus’ Name!
Let angels prostrate fall,
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him, crown him, crown him,
Crown him Lord of all.

ie}

Crown him, ye martyrs of your God
Who from his altar call;
Extol the Stem of Jesse’s rod,

And crown him, crown him, crown him,
Crown him Lord of all.

3. Ye seed of Israel’s chosen race,
Ye ransomed of the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all.

4. Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget
The wormwood and the gall,
To, spread your trophies at his feet,
And crown him Lord of all.

5. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.

6. Othat with yonder sacred throng
We at his feet may fall;
We’ll join the everlasting son
And crown him Lord of all.

ae, Se gees
to,

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF BARDO CONGREGATION - 1970

The settling of the Bardo community in Central Alberta, Canada,
began in 1894, but the location had been investigated the previous year.

Most of the original Norse settlers of this community who immigrated
here in the mid-nineties, came from Crookston, Minnesota, or nearby.
However, a few years later a great number of settlers came direct from
Bardo, Norway.

The reasons for settling in Central Alberta were many and varied,
but the most important one was the available free land of good quality
and enough of it for a colony.

The first four settlers arrived in May, 1894. They were Martin
Finseth, P, B, Anderson, John Lerbekmo and Nels Jevning. During the
summer and fall their families arrived and with them came the aged Pas-
tor Bersvend Anderson who had been asked to come along and be their
minister. Thus, on the first Sunday after his arrival on November 3, 1894,
he conducted the first Norwegian Lutheran service in the Canadian
Northwest.

During the first winter, services were held from house to house. A
regular congregational meeting was called for on May 23, 1895, at the
Nels Jevning home, and all who wished to become members signed a
charter forming the Norden Lutheran Church. These members were
Bersvend Anderson, Peter B. Anderson and family, Martin Finseth and
family, Nels S. Mosland, George Bruass, Nels Jevning and family, Simon
P, Simonson and family, Peter Oas, Johan Jevning, Peder S. Moen and
and family, Halvor Haugen and family, Olaf M. Jevning, Lars Johnson and
family, Tollef Carlson and family, Peder Jevning and family, and Johannes
Johnson and family. From this group Martin Finseth was elected as their
first chairman and P. B, Anderson as their first secretary, with election
of officers to follow at the annual meeting in the fall.

From this group who joined as charter members with their parents
and still living are: Missionary Palmer Anderson of Minneapolis, son of
P.B. Anderson; Hilmer Johnson, son of Johannes Johnson; Dan Simonson,
Edmonton, and Mrs. Mamie Fuglem, Hughenden, son and daughter of
Simon P. Simonson; Mrs. Amanda Haugen and Selmer Johnson of La
Glace, children of Lars Johnson; and Mrs. Marit Horte, daughter of
Halvor Haugen.

After the school house was built in 1898, it became the regular gath-
ering place for all services and other meetings. The cemetery was chosen
kitty corner across the road from the old school and therefore laid more
than one mile north of where the future church was built.

Members of the congregation longed for the time when they could
worship in their own church. Some wanted to build the church in the north
part of the community, others towards the south. However, Asbjorn Moen
donated a site in the central part of the community where the first church
was built. The men cut and sawed the logs into lumber; finishing lumber
was hauled from Camrose. The Ladies’ Aid helped to install the furnace
and other fixtures and also made it possible to hire a contractor to help
with the building. The Thimble Club provided an organ and Bersvend
Anderson made the first altar. i

The church was dedicated August 6, 1908. ‘‘What an eventful day
that must have been.”’

At the annual meeting in the fall of 1908, the name ‘‘Norden’’ was
changed to ‘‘Bardo.’? At this same meeting, missionary Rev. H. N.
Ronning of China, who had settled in Bardo with his family, joined the
congregation. Although he never served as its minister, he often preach--
ed in the church and he used his influence for much good.

In 1921, the church was struck by lightning and burned down. No
insurance was carried and only the interior furnishings were rescued.
Now the congregation had to gather in the school house again. With the
help of the Ladies’ Aid and personal gifts, the Church Fund reached
$2,500.00 within three months. A little over a year after the fire, the
first service was held in the new church.

When the church was dedicated in 1926, both men and women, young
people, and children alike rejoiced as they viewed the results of their
labor —the completion of the second church in their midst.

The congregation continued to worship and flourish in the little
church nestled beside the creek. Various modern conveniences were
added to the building and the people were happy and blessed with the
ministry of God’s gospel. Then with dramatic suddeness, Aug. 27, 1965,
everything came to an end when lightning again struck and the church
was burned to the ground. Residents of the area quickly arrived on the
scene and saved most of the furnishings. These were brought to the Com-
munity Centre where services were held continuously to Nov. 1967.

One of the greatest decisions that faced the congregation was
whether to rebuild at the present site or rebuild in the town of Tofield
a distance of eight miles. On September 14, 1966, at a meeting of the
congregation, a vote was taken and a clear majority voted in favor of re-
building in Tofield. It was felt that by moving into town the church
would have a greater outreach in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

On May 28, 1967, the ground-breaking ceremonies were held and on
June 12 the excavation for the basement began, then on November 19,
1967, the new church was dedicated with Dr. S. T. Jacobson officiating.
The size of the new church was 72’ x 34’ and built with frame and stucco
finish and with a brick front. There is also a full basement. Total cost
of the church was $40,700.00, including volunteer labour. Twenty thou-
sand dollars of insurance helped to pay part of the building and after
many generous gifts from friends and members, only a $6,000.00 loan had

to be taken out to finish the building and now three years later this loan
has been paid off.

It felt strange at first to leave our community for worship, but soon
the joy of receiving new members and being able to bring the message

to a larger congregation brought happiness and satisfaction to the mem-
bers.

The church was built while the parish was vacant and 6 months after
the dedication, Pastor Oscar Lokken accepted the call to the Kingman
Parish. With the coming to Pastor Lokken the work has gone forward
under his untiring efforts, already two adult confirmation classes have

completed their studies and we look forward to a further outreach in our
community. 2

PASTORS
Who have Faithfully Served the Congregation

BGISVENG AMUeTSOMin nent ss ween ate See me eee ns ae 1894 - 1902
NO ERS SETAHS Of 4 (roi 8icss ows, sa POPES om odd eines vsnirae tea tates Mon mgt 1902 - 1904
Bers vendsAndersionn. 5 5... visas ney oc shone tals MOUS. areas ok ok 1904 - 1906
i IG anIS OMe an ook nr tical Aertel ie lett oe eigenen Mt ate om 1906 - 1909
ATH onhaa Sian: Riium lua Korie eine Eo! es SE 1909 - 1911
Cis ORME sa sites eo eases at cuatsee: caehs., "seme ae eae 1911 - 1915
COVES USUIe ple rrcey etic vie) oe gh cokers: tenets, ser nine staat aan 1916 - 1923
OYE GIR) 83 0) lea ER Nak eens. Satara eee? 1923 - 1926
IN Nel eemih mu ities tee save aie as beac rs tn Rene. ot eae imeem 1926 - 1936
Grioverste inn 325.4 come ait wk i ae ee, Gene ee oie 1936 - 1939
INERT N/a Ran a lg pei area aime gem sak ips tages 1939 - 1943
Cut OFS) SHS TiN As ae SC aa aaa SPO Om RE Ph! RATE ie. Mes el 1944 - 1948
Scag sO EMS ONS eet reas sci oAlel -ocoikal iniunitte, ool Runal eotault ei .okeeglanes 1948 - 1951
Opehiesbaugenay mene AVE these sqeiceder el ek ode PS Yes 1951 - 1960
SHO MS Me abet, Sencar lege otts, cbt Wah eek OSC ool gues -ouetree 1961 - 1964
GuiOstremeE(ntermun: aston ee sd hes tae, witha 1965 - 1966
ACSDaAMlene kuinets core mmaetccs aoe ses se creme err emcee ete 1966 - 1967
Opbok Kemi an this, coos ac ARAM MENON: fo ht nad Gan eerte culae 1968 -

Bardo
Seventy-Fifth Anniversary

Program

Theme — ‘‘Forward with Christ’? — Matthew 28: 19-20

- FRIDAY, JULY 24 -

7:30 P.M.
Openiip MyMises cist. «ue ie All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, No. 426
GFLSTEN A CRI AEE D Ra HEP Mae panne Ae el bene ains anee Lester Severson
President of Bardo Congregation
SOMO ee cet a areal Meee MataMe acetate! “cl estas I ste Laurel Erickson
IN) ECS Eo EEE Re Eerie coor ee een ae gee one Pastor O. H. Haugen

“Looking Back to Praise Him’’

Quartet. . .Leif and Evelyn Foshaug, Thelma Erickson and Leroy Finseth

MeSGape Gs see. ary cements cease te enen is oue Pastor Gordon Hendrickson
“(Looking Ahead — Trusting in His Promises’’
Hiymiicat oss ct tet ties: SS Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, No. 520

. Refreshments and Fellowship Hour in the Basement After Service

— SATURDAY, JULY 25 -

7:30 P.M.
Faye Anderson Presiding
Sing Song
Openingrblymin: 6. 7... ae All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, No. 426
DSVOROnE EOF, Fike su. RMR er. sete oe Reman cine eer aia Glenda Mosby
Sonigigs sets diten gcd. cer SB ABRs. has ies Luther League
NESS Se io: ie ieinepnch opis hear tek ghee Res nga MMPS 08 ontace sg Fete Pastor S. Bue

‘‘Moving Forward in God’s Strength’’
Double Duet
Chosimne: Hiya ni. odciis + sence Sissy ogee Pike ts cla tie aie okays aasade« Bence? toes No. 195

- SUNDAY MORNING, JULY 26 -

10:30 A.M.
Orcan: Prelinger nasser rss + sl Sas ovo o 6 ala ames meee Mrs. Bernice Heiberg
Opening Prayer
Hymn NOmAZG eames aciats 6. + + «3% All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Old Testament Reading —

The Epistle, Gospel and Confession.......... Pastor O. Lokken
MUSICs creer tte em eee eG ayy’ 3. as een by The Sunday School
Announcements
IVINS TCS at innate | den oa tac anne ac tana t's. aco cov p>, 50> eisses kecaal ga «enema ea oa Sextet
MESS age sae mewn etc aa < oe onc sias Pastor Larry Reyelts, Saskatoon

‘(Looking Around and Serving Him’’

Closingshlymibiecmmegd ails 666 ee Lead on O King Eternal, No. 550

- SUNDAY AFTERNOON, JULY 26 -
2:00 P.M.
President Lester Severson Presiding
Organ Prelude
Ay mi NemdeG Mamas]. @anyA&. 4 oc se ce ee The Anniversary Hymn
Devotion

Welcome and Remarks

(©) ni ohts cA) Kaine phnnsiid alles yxy caer lars Ste or Directed by Mrs. Gladys Severson
Greetings

DUCE. ita ks seth Sle ataatud ys 9 404 eke Bernice Heiberg and Leroy Finseth

MESSAge: wc. esbnjags «ee vb ee ee of oe SRR -ommtents Pastor A. Vinge

‘Looking Up in Expectation’?

Hive NOtcomon ee rttt Meena ce ia SEER, Bee Faith of Our Fathers

CONFIRMANTS OF THE

1897
Iver Finseth
Anton Jevning
Ragna Jevning Steen

1901
Gunnar Brocke
Johan Johannesen
Peder Johannesen
Peder Haugen
Marie Lerbekmo Boness

1902

Henry Simonson

1903
Alma Finseth Foshaug
Ingrid Haugen Ness
Hilmar Johnson
Henry Lee
George Hagen
Olof Lee
Thorvald Brocke
Oscar Simonson

1904
Martha Solberg Hillerud
Torine Flotrie
Inga Anderson Johnson
Alma Eide Nash
Maret Haugen Horte
Delia Bartness
Carrie Foss Kretney
Roy Foss
Richard Foss
Ingvald Larsen
Peter Lerbekmo
Peter Lyslo
Bennie Anderson
Robert Flotrie

1906
Ella Solberg Skiles
Marie Haugen Qualley
Martha Anderson
Nette Anderson Moen
Alma Johnson Vekved
Amanda Johnson Haugen
Ida Oslund Oslund
Jennie Larbekmo Haakstad
Theresa Nord Findly
Mary Eggen Johnson
Helga Foss
Palmer Anderson
Einar Moen
Oscar Oslund
Charles Hill
Lauritz Eide
Bennie Finseth
Torfin Brocke

Motnilda Qsiuaad Branes

BARDO LUTHERAN CONGREGATION

1909

Adelia Rorem Anderson
Karen Eggen Kvern
Harold Johnson

Martin Hagen

Selmer Johnson

1910

Nelius Ronning
Chester Ronning
Clarence Rude
Norman Jevning
Albin Hoflin

Harry Horte

Inga Horte Ronning
Nora Rorem Olson
Clara Jensen Flotten

1911

John G. Johnson

Emil Rude

Nora Rude Anderson
Hildur Eggen Rude
Monrad Finseth

Olof Anderson

Petra Lerbekmo Stauffer
Iver Moen

Olof Hagen

Helga Forseth Sandboe
Inga Johnson Haugland
Astrid Johnson Thorsen
Oscar Anderson

Clara Eide Jevning

1913

Agnes Jensen Haukehal

1914

Ingolf Moen

Edward Haakstad

Louis Andrew Hoflin

John Hoflin

Magda Anderson Hendrickson
Gertrude Lerbekmo Yoder
Karen Viken

Borghild Moen Rolfstad
Christine Hoflin Mattson
Parnell Jevning

1917

Signe Olson Neraasen
Hannah Jensen Sand
Ruby Rorem He lvig
Linda Berg

Olfred Eggen Moen
Peder Eggen

Alice Rude Finseth
Jensine Viken Caufield
Rudolph Johnson

1919

Berhnard Anderson
Inger Brocke Lagergren
Julia Hvidding

Berger Erling Hvidding
Nita Hansen Kindley
Minnie Johnson Sorgaard
Mabel Moen Shrewsbury

1920

Gudrun Ness Ronning
Dora Boness Bruce
Myrtle Rude Bjornson
Emma Anderson Eide
Sigrid Eggen Johnson
Edward Steen

1921

Julius Lerbekmo

Anna Jevning Woloschuck
Betsy Ness Scott

Carrie Brekken Moore
Malford Boness Erga
Inga Johnson Vague
Alice Simonson

Borghild Foshaug Rude

1922

Rueben Eide

Gunhild Moen Hendrickson
Alice Simonson Sitler
Mabel Jevning Falkeid
Selma Nomeland Lerbekmo
Olive Nomeland Sutton
Alma Howe

Alma Johnson Nelson
Myrtle Johnson

1924

Selma Simonson Cinnamon
Margot Ness Williams
Ingvald Ness

Alvin Steen

Ingolf Brekken

1928

Irene Rude Strand
Mabel Foshaug Johnson
Ivan Foshaug
Thelma Moen Mackie
Esther Ness Brekken
Arthur Haugen
Arthur Moen

Inge Johanson
Wilfred Simonson
William Simonson
Olive Olson
Trueman Jacobson

1930

Leif Foshaug

Alice Haugen Stokkan
Minnie Simonson Olsenberg
Delia Simonson Swanson
Bernice Anderson Johnson
Juliet Jevning Shupac
Margaret Moen Knowles

1 3;
Auice Ness Dani

1932
Bennie Moen
Merlin Foshaug
Edna Steen
Agnes Johanson Burt
Gladys Ness Severson

1934
George Foshaug
Milton Jevning
Harold Simonson
Olive Johanson Gustavson
Catherine Johanson Smith
Lorraine Moen Berg

1937
Philip Anderson
Malcolm Finseth
Robert (Bud) Steen
Talbert Foshaug
Mary Johanson Fowler
Gladys Johanson Potter

1938 :
Clifford Anderson
Gordon Hendrickson
Olof Haugen
John Lerbekmo

1940
Eldon Moen
Mavis Jacobson Jacobsen
Corrine Haukedal Innis
Wyonne Rude Widden
Muriel Finseth Monsen
Marie Haugen Runka
Andy Heiberg
Earl Kindley

1943
Rebecca Eide Strilchuk

Doris Hendrickson Anderson

Ila Moen Thomas
Marie Heiberg Dawson
Eystein Heiberg
Leroy Finseth
Charles Rude

1945
Carmen Rude Klein
Iris Bjornson Francis
Eula Haukedal Regehr
Norma Kindley Fischer
Olof Erickson
Bjarne Erickson
Allen Anderson

1947
Doreen Moen Paul
Lawrence Anderson

James Hendrickson

1948
Alma Marie Rude Nelson
Margaret Moen Nichols
Barbara Finseth Lyseng
Mary Hendrickson
Eugene Rude
Glenn Sitler

1951
Dennis Krogen
Lars Rude
Dale Rude

1953
Hazel Moen Stolee
Joyce Hendrickson
Joanne Finseth Hansen
Lawrence Rude
Maureen Foshaug Wessner
Gail Sitler Look
James Johnson
Marlene Stokkan Hunter
Arlene Stokkan Rude

1955
Elizebeth Rude Brooks
Brenda Muir Pearson
Jackie Johanson
Larry Foshaug
Myrna Simonson Magneson
Bertha Johnson Ramstad

1956
Leonard Stauffer
Evelyne Stauffer
Harold Kindley
Audrey Kindley
Myrtle Finseth
Arlene Moen

1957
Diane Foshaug Krogen
Louisa Vikner Undin
Merlin Rude

1958
Caroline Foshaug
Patricia Severson Litwin

1959
Harold Sitler
Richard Foshaug
Sharon Cinnamon Sirois
1Scf
Gien Reil

1962
Robert Foshaug
Linda Erickson Schmidt
Walter Johnson
David Severson
Donald Litwin

1964
Ronald Foshaug
Kenneth Stauffer
Gwendolyne Foshaug
Barry Mosby

1967
Eleanor Jacobson
Beatrice Mosby
Joanne Rude
Betty Ann Sitler
Phyllis Foshaug
Lyle Heiberg
Donna Mosby

1968
Douglas Finseth
Faye Anderson
Marjorie Mahowich
Stanley Schacher
Elizabeth Schacher

1969
Glenda Mosby
Sandra Anderson
Lorraine Korobko

1970
Mrs. George Lust
Mr. George Lust
Mrs. Jacob Miller
Mr. Emile Halvorson
Janice Halvorson

THE OFFICERS OF BARDO LUTHERAN CHURCH

Presadientesecc: fits ae ai nase shor sea aewtuie e wa Cte os Mr. Lester Severson
WiCC-PrestCentn si any adie aes Mt aedencaedy fone taiaey even et es Mr. Andy Heiberg
SGGhetahyes tipmuruotias ca teru mina marca Sr walters le Mecgh omaitg Mr. Leonard Stauffer
FRFEASULEH Sarre ei, Augdiis Geta gt eine pene ch stat Gane ake ateaura tes Mrs. Diane Rude
MDUStee S.A vatenancy a saiaN Mr. Leif Foshaug, Mr. Marvin Jacobson and
Mr. LeRoy Finseth

DEaACOnse sr ines ee ponte Mr. Phillip Anderson, Mr. Larry Foshaug and
Mr. Andy Heiberg

Buildune bund wiredsuner ee aut ae amici yy lacs Mr. Sam Cinnamon
75th Anniversary Committee Chairman.......... Mrs. Lester Severson

Agnes Haukedal, Mr. Phillip Anderson,
Mr. Sam Cinnamon and Mr. Andy Heiberg

LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN

PReESide nie sare Wastin wetueleca pub ee nies oie somes Mrs. Norma Anderson
WiGE=PEESIo ene gar aie rau ark a ny nie tomes Mrs. Evelyn Foshaug
SEGKECARY rae apianie phan CLTie Santa Nalre is Malas Wyant mh Mrs. Alice Stokkan
RECA SUITE bmg atey ty wae cr eu phens Gonos Gunman betas Mrs. Thelma Erickson
Stewardship sy wins osmerie tect sie austere ae ie ethene ate tartan te Mrs. Selma Cinnamon
Biditicattonicvs eters Wanye tren culture mits tak la ec. ary crlctiegn Mrs. Diane Rude
MGM Ona lacy vals, eG cies AE Baer een a ota a sais Mrs. Evelyne Stauffer

The
First
Church
Built 1908,
burned down 1921.

Pastor and Mrs. Oscar Lokken and Family

The Second Church - Built 1922, burned down 1965.

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